Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

New Acupunture Sessions at Torquay’s Aztec Spa

Julia — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:39:52 +0000

In its 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Symbolising characteristics such as dominance and ambition, dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks.

Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are pretty healthy overall. However, even they can get stressed and suffer from periodic tension, and could benefit from incorporating activities which can work on both their minds and their bodies.

To many of us acupuncture may sound strange or alien and some people are still very suspicious of these “new-fangled” medicines and treatments. However more and more of us are turning towards ancient remedies which have their roots well established way back through the centuries.

If you think of your body like the national grid with its own cable network, acupuncture treatment can get to the hub of all manner of ailments and is excellent at improving general health and well being. It allows us to influence and heal the physical and emotional workings of our personal lives by affecting the very stuff of life itself. Like all forms of ancient Chinese medicines it aims to treat problems holistically, channeling positive energies.

The Aztec Spa in Torquay believes in embracing all nature of therapies and treatments, offering a wide ranging service to its clients, which now includes this ancient form of medicine.

Licensed Acupuncturist Hannah Lamble joins the team, focused on providing individual treatments which specialise in work related stress and psychological problems, fertility, pain and sports injury. Her ultimate aim is to bring patients back to optimum health.

Her treatments can be used to aid a range of ailments including lower back pain, headaches and migraine, chronic pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety, and digestive disorders. Initial consultation and treatment lasts for 90 minutes and costs just £45 – small price to pay when our general health and well-being is so important.

Call the Aztec Spa on 01803 400190.

New Acupunture Sessions at Torquay’s Aztec Spa is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Steve Laister and Friends at the Toorak Hotel

Nigel Beck — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:32:01 +0000

Steve Laister

With all this gloom and doom we deserve a chuckle or two. The unforgettable Steve Laister, winner of the national ‘Comedian of the Year’, is both talented as a singer and comedian. He will be entertaining the residents of Torquay with a full supporting cast at TLH Leisure Resort on Saturday 10^th March.

The cabaret dinner will be held at the stylish Toorak Hotel which is one of the four hotels on the seven-acre resort in Torquay. The three course dinner in the Abbey restaurant will be prepared by head chef Nick Coombes and combines all that’s best about Devon produce including the chef’s ‘To Die For’ homemade fudge.

The entertainment is in the intimate venue of the Arlington suite hosted by Steve Laister and joined by comedy magician Keith King, comedian Tank Sherman and the vocal talents of Zoe Harris.

If you’re looking for a ‘grown up’ night out why not enjoy a perfect mix of good food and wine, cabaret, comedy and magic at the Toorak Hotel?

Tickets available at £24.95pp from the Toorak Hotel on 01803 400400 or email toorakreception@tlh.co.uk

Steve Laister and Friends at the Toorak Hotel is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Belly Dance Break

Vicky — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:35:02 +0000

Not sure about booking the male stripper for your hen night?

As brides we want a fun and memorable occasion for the last fleeting moments of our ‘freedom’. The lively and even racy nights with flowing alcohol may not be up everyone’s street. Some may just want a simple and quiet dinner with the girls or a weekend away of pampering or encountering a new experience with close friends. There are so many hen experience packages available from cocktail making, learning to surf and even learning a new dance.

Trying out Belly dancing would be an amazing experience and something a little different from the usual pampering hen party weekends.

Afra - Silk Wings

Hosted by International dance teacher Afra Al Kahira, you and the girls can enjoy a new and exciting Learn to Belly Dance break at the Toorak Hotel. The break includes welcome drinks, tuition, dinner and a talk on the history, costume and styles of belly dancing. On the Saturday night, you will be entertained with a GALA show, featuring performances by Afra and invited guests in a variety of different styles. At the end of the weekend you will be able to put all of your skills learnt together to perform a routine.

What a better way to surprise your guests and even your husband on the big day! If that sounds scary, maybe persuade your girl friends to perform instead!

Check out the TLH website for more details or call 01803 400500.

Belly Dance Break is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

War Horse Putting Dartmoor On the Map

Nigel Beck — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:59:02 +0000

Dartmoor is set to become a must see destination in 2012 thanks to the release of the new Spielberg film War Horse.

The film is released in the UK on 13th January and focuses on the moving story of a Devon farm boy who joins the army in an effort to search for his horse, Joey, after he is sold into the cavalry and shipped to France during the First World War. The Michael Morpurgo story has already been adapted for the stage and has been a hit in London’s West End. The ambitious film will definitely be a tearjerker and early reviews tip it for an Oscar.

Steven Spielberg spent many weeks on Dartmoor, back in August 2010 and by all accounts was spellbound by its beauty, saying, “I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.”

In fact, South Devon has been the site for scenes shot in many films and TV shows. Torquay and indeed the English Riviera as a whole have inspired such hits as Fawlty Towers as well as being the backdrop for such things as Miss Marple, Churchill: The Hollywood Years (Christian Slater & Neve Campbell…), Blackball (Paul Kaye, Vince Vaughn, Johnny Vegas…) and TV programmes such as the BBC’s The Zoo Keepers (filmed at Paignton Zoo) and Channel 5′s Milkshake Monkey (Children’s prog, 2009). Those of us on the wrong side of 40 will also no doubt remember the Onedin Line, shot in Dartmouth! And bringing us bang up to date, we have Channel 4’s The Hotel causing quite a stir and the recent episode of BBC’s Sherlock showed Dartmoor in all it’s haunting beauty.

Some of these locations are on your doorstep when you stay in Torquay and even those in more rural locations are still only within a short driving distance. You too can experience the beauty that Devon has to offer, visit the sites and inspiration for so many films and set the scene for your own great holiday by staying at TLH Leisure Resort , so well placed for access to many parts of Devon and Cornwall. Why not come down and plan your own location break? There’s nothing quite like visiting the places you’ve seen and enjoyed on the big screen.

Take a look at your holiday options here or call 01803 400500 to find out more.

War Horse Putting Dartmoor On the Map is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Anyone for Tennis at the Toorak Hotel Torquay?

Nigel Beck — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:31:16 +0000

January is traditionally the time to plan and scheme for the year ahead. It’s all so easy whilst curled up with a cup of tea in a nice comfy armchair! You imagine what the ‘new you’ may be capable of. Are you going to get fit, lose weight, book a holiday or try something new?

Well TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay has a whole range of special interest breaks for 2012, which may just tick all these boxes. You get to come on holiday to the lovely English Riviera, maybe learn or improve a skill or hobby and you could even become fitter and leaner in the process.

Our professional tennis coach, Heath Parkin

Amongst some of the breaks on offer are a series of Tennis Breaks at the hotel group’s 3 star Toorak Hotel. Tennis Pro and LTA coach Heath Parkin hosts the weekend breaks which include an amazing 11 hours of coaching.

The weekends are ideal for improvers or intermediate players, looking to improve their technique, rather than complete beginners. The tennis courts are set in a stunning location at Torre Abbey Meadows overlooking the sea and conveniently directly opposite the hotel.

Your break starts at 6pm on the Friday with a ‘meet the coach and welcome drinks’ session, followed by dinner. Then it’s down to the serious business of drills and practice, with coaching starting at 10am on the Saturday. All the key strokes are covered and the day ends with competitive drills and match play tips.

Sunday’s coaching will reinforce these skills, but there will be more emphasis on tactics which will nicely set everything up for a competition towards the end of the day, either singles or doubles depending on numbers.

Superb indoor pool

It’s not all about the tennis though – you can enjoy the superb food and comfortable surroundings of the Toorak plus take advantage of the fantastic on-site leisure facilities of TLH Leisure Resort, including the 25 metre indoor Aztec Pool complex, gym and spa, as well as nightly entertainment.

If you’re sat in your comfy armchair reading this now and imagining how you may clean up at the local tennis club this summer, or are looking to resurrect your rusty backhand, then this is a perfect weekend break for you!

Tennis Breaks are on the following dates: 4-6 May, 13-15 July and 28-30th September.

Prices from £185 pp for 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast and including all coaching.

Call 01803 400500 to book or find out more here.

Anyone for Tennis at the Toorak Hotel Torquay? is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The Kids Got Bowls!!

Terri — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:45:46 +0000

One rainy evening in October, just as we had started our indoor season and were re-acquainting ourselves with long lost teammates and fast carpets, three likely lads strayed in from the rain. They were all teenagers and they stood and watched us for a few minutes before one youngster asked if anyone could have a go. So, I told them to kick off their shoes, I grabbed some spare bowls and one of our under 25’s who was lounging at the bar, and got them all started on a spare rink.

They played for about an hour and it was pretty obvious that there was one in the group who was very interested as he listened to our under 25 star who explained line, delivery, mat laying, jack casting and some of the things that beginners need to know.

After an hour they all disappeared except for the one 14 year old, who stayed on to watch us all again. He also turned up every night for the next week for a ‘practice’.

Since then this lad has been sponsored for his membership and his rink fees, he’s been bought his shoes and bowls by his Dad. Other members have given him measures, towels, chalk etc., and within a couple of weeks he was completely kitted out with whites and greys, and a bowls bag for all this new equipment, most of which was bought in the bowls shop at TLH Leisure Resort.

This youngster is now a ‘super–sub’ playing when any team needs a player in the evening leagues. He has played in several friendly games and has also played in the John Parrot and Wessex League. He is so keen and so eager to do well, he even sits by the green in the evening if he is not playing, and keeps the scorecards for the teams that are. His parents are delighted he has an interest but perhaps do get concerned when we are sitting in the corner doing his homework whilst he plays bowls.

He is so keen to progress that he has even asked to be involved in the School of Excellence that is to be held at ISCA in February.

I am sure that this young man will develop into a very good bowler – and later, perhaps in a couple of years we will all be reading about him. That is my prediction.

But what I really want to say, is a huge thank you to my club, and the wonderful members who have sponsored and encouraged this young man. In a time when human nature is set for self-preservation I applaud you all for the consideration, encouragement and expertise you have given to this one individual. Torquay United IBC, you should be proud of yourselves.

That’s all folks

Dru Close

The Kids Got Bowls!! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Dancing Duo

Vicky — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:35:56 +0000

Henry and Jeannie Clark, known as Dancing Duo, are among the latest additions to our dance hosts at TLH Leisure Resort and will be at the Toorak Hotel this December and again in March. The couple have been running dance breaks and evening classes around South Devon for over 12 years.

It was the dire need for a hip replacement some years ago which stopped his dancing, that led to a new retirement career fro Henry and his wife Jeannie. By running dances, he reasoned, they could still keep in touch with their many friends in the dancing world.

So from small beginnings, with afternoon tea dances, the hobby shared by the couple has grown into a rewarding business with a busy schedule.

Nowadays, seasoned dancer (on two artificial hips) Henri and Jeannie often partner single people in their dances, while Henry simultaneously plays the very best of CD music for Ballroom, Latin and Social Sequence dancing.

The Torquay based couple are great believers in making every dance evening feel like a special event with an ambience created by themed stage decorations and attractively dressed tables around the ballroom. The music is always carefully selected to appeal to enthusiastic dancers at all levels.

Up to six dance holidays a year and even their more local dances, attract support from far and wide. Henry and Jeannie aim to provide ‘quality dancing with an element of fun’. By mixing closely with their dancers, they both encourage great social evenings. Only the best hotels with good well-sprung dance floors are selected for their breaks in coastal resorts such as Newquay, Dawlish, Bournemouth and now the Toorak Hotel in Torquay.

Before their retirement hobby became a new career, Henry was a farmer at Staverton near Totnes and Jeannie, a former journalist and public relations officer in TV and publishing, was a hotelier in Totnes.

You can join Dancing Duo at the Toorak Hotel on the 11^th December for 3 nights and again on the 12th March for 4 nights. To find out more visit www.tlh.co.uk/dancing

Dancing Duo is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Vicky — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:22:44 +0000

Does ‘learning’ conjure up school desks and musty old books? It’s a word we often associate with our school days but it is something we can carry on in to adulthood and gain a lot of pleasure from.

In fact, studies have shown that learning new skills can help fend off dementia and ease depression. Our brains act a little like a muscle and need to be used and challenged in different ways in order to grow and become stronger.

Learning something new needn’t be confined to books or evening classes, what about a skill you’ve never considered before such as painting, flower arranging or baking? Or it could be something more physical like dancing, playing tennis or skiing. Perhaps putting a specific time aside to take a ‘learn to’ holiday is a way to get a taster of your new hobby.

So why don’t more of us venture into new territory? Is it fear of failure maybe? Or lack of time? A few of these quotes may help you to reconsider:

Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.-Brian Tracy
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Gandhi
You learn more quickly under the guidance of experienced teachers. You waste a lot of time going down blind alleys if you have no one to lead you. – W. Somerset Maugham
You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself. – Galileo Galilei

Taking a break to discover new things will benefit mind, body and soul. What new things will you learn to do in 2012?

Benefits of Lifelong Learning is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Valentine Tango Delight

Vicky — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:47:20 +0000

With BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing season well underway, you may have wondered ‘how can I learn to do that?’ Well, TLH Leisure Resort’s programme of Learn to Dance breaks is the ideal way to have a go, combining a great break in Torquay with learning a new skill.
Not yet seen on this series of Strictly (I may be wrong – please do correct me!), is the thrilling Argentine Tango. This is definitely not to be confused with the Ballroom Tango – Argentine Tango is more about self expression and innovation. Basically that means it’s accessible to everyone – you just have to feel the music!

And a perfect time to learn this passionate dance style, would of course be at Valentine’s. What better way to treat your loved one – a romantic weekend away but with a twist! You both get to learn a dance which, you never know, may add a whole new dimension to your relationship!

Hosted by professional teacher Fernando Guidi, you can enjoy an Argentine Tango for Beginners Break next February at the Carlton Hotel & Spa. The break includes the equivalent of 5 hours of tuition and is suitable for those who have no experience or have maybe just started having Argentine Tango lessons. In keeping with the Valentine’s theme, there is a romantic candelit dinner and a ‘dress to impress’ red and black themed evening on the Saturday night.

So, good food, great fun and a chance to try something new this Valentine’s – what’s stopping you?!
Check out the TLH website for more details or call 01803 400500.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Valentine Tango Delight is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The only way is Fit Camp!

Lee — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:02:41 +0000

Beach running

Anyone who has been watching ITV’s The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) will no doubt been familiar with Gemma and Arg going to Boot Camp to help with them their weight issues.

Anyone serious about weight loss and getting started with a healthier lifestyle should take a look at a new Fit Camp break in Torquay, taking place in January 2012.

The Carlton Hotel & Spa, part of TLH Leisure Resort, have brought in Jon Sims who is one of Devon’s top personal trainers and food nutritionists, to run a 5-day intensive health and fitness “fit camp”.

Activities include Kettlebell, Zumba, Aerobics, circuit training and yoga, all held by professional trainers and under Jon’s watchful eye! All food and snacks for the week are provided to make sure you are getting the best start to your new healthy lifestyle. Plus there will be workshops and plans for you to take home to keep you on track.

So if you want to really make a change in 2012, have a look at the details on our website.

Places are limited, so book early!

The only way is Fit Camp! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog